Being One-Another Minded

I wasn't in the "in-crowd" growing up. You know -- the crowd where everyone knew each other -- gathered together in their little groups, ate together, in clubs together, hung out together at recess. I was a shy child. I know that's hard to believe. Instead of going to the outgoing kids, my mom coaxed me to look for the other kids who are by themselves. She told me to show interest in them and ask questions about what they like. “If you care for others, you won’t be lonely yourself.” That nudging from my mom still serves me well today. At first it was hard to overcome my nervousness to talk to others I didn’t know. But over time, I learned to say hi to any girls who were sitting alone. I became more comfortable and now – here I am, many decades later, and I still follow my mom’s advice when I’m in a room filled with people I don’t know. Look for the lonely. I assure you. They are just hoping someone will speak to them.

It’s easy to walk into a crowded room and either stick with the people we know or hide in a corner with a phone. Yet this verse tells us otherwise: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10) We’re instructed to consider others. Introverts have difficulty making that first move toward a stranger. Believe me. I know. But as God’s children, we step out of our comfort zones and reach out as a service to the Lord -- looking for the lonely, looking for ways to bless others. "One another” is mentioned twice in that scripture. It shows us how important loving others is to God. Opening up the medicine cabinet right with the CURE for loneliness and shyness. Being “one another” minded. When we purposelly look to serve others, our shyness will melt away and we will make heart-to-heart connections.

I really wasn't outgoing, but I learned "to have friends, show yourself friendly". Now I have so many brothers and sisters in Christ. Please dear friends know that you are not alone! You are part of God’s beautiful, loving family. What if we began to pray and humble ourselves to become God's servants who live a life of ONE ANOTHER LIVING? "What can I do for you? What can I do for others that helps them to win?" We're ALL on the same team -- we're God's kids, and we represent our Father. Everyone will know us by being on the LIGHT side by our love for one another. All for ONE -- ONE for all.

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are
I sent that message to my best friend yesterday. She has a busy life and so do I, but we do our best to stay connected. I forgot they were away in a remote location without cell, so no wonder I was saying "Come out, come out, wherever you are!" Those words are actually from one of my earliest memories, playing “Hide and Seek”. Now, my fondest memories are playing it with children and grandchildren.

My memory of playing the game was the nervousness that would build as the “it” person started counting. I’d run looking for the spot that would conceal me perfectly. Sometimes I’d peek around the corner to see if the “it” person was anywhere near and, oh, that feeling when the “it” person was only a few feet away. My heart would beat faster. Every-so-often I’d get fortunate. They’d keep going, and I’d breathe a quiet sigh of relief. As I stood or crouched there, I would listen for the words I longed to hear -- the words I knew meant the game was over. “Come out! Come out! Wherever you are!” When I heard that phrase I knew my hiding place had been successful!

Our Hide and Seek games don't always stay in our childhood or always stay so fun and innocent. I remember David and how often he was hiding from his enemies. When he wrote Psalm 31, things weren't going well for him. He was tired, weak, and hurting. His enemies were chasing him, and his friends had let him down. His life was at risk but he was not defenseless. He knew that God was the best source of safety and that a right relationship with Him was the wisest defense strategy. That’s where he found his security. Just as a small child finds hope in calling out for his older brother when threatened by a bully, David called on the name of the Lord. Because he was living in fellowship with Him, he hid in the security of the One who had helped him so many times before.

I remember the one thing that could ruin a good game of Hide and Seek. It was the cheater who peeked while they counted. They always knew where everyone was hiding and was quick to find them. Well, that’s the enemy of our souls who cheats and wants to destroy us. It is the cheater who makes us go into hiding when things don't go our way and life gets difficult But where we hide can make all the difference. Often, we hide by becoming reclusive – staying away from fellowship and friendship with others. We may hide in regret for mistakes we’ve made. But today, it's time to stop playing those games and "Come out. Come out. Wherever you are."

The cheater-enemy has been caught so we don’t have to stay in hiding places any longer. The Psalmist said, “You are my hiding place." (Psalm 32:7) "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High (Psalm 91:1) -- NOT he who dwells in the closet of negativity and doubt, but in the shelter of the Most High where we abide under the shelter of the Almighty and we find our strength and hope in Him. David knew where his hiding place was. Are we as quick to seek that same security? God was a sure hiding place for David, and He is also the One we hide in and cling to for our protection. Safety is not found in the absence of danger but in the presence of God.